Three things that need to go right for the Eagles ...

1. At all costs, the Giants' powerful defensive front must be prevented from taking control of the game, because whenever it does, the Giants win every time.

2. Keeping the Giants' explosive receivers from getting behind coverage or getting big yards after catches, like Victor Cruz did in his breakout game against them last season.

3. Getting DeSean Jackson, who has just 15 touches in three games, more involved with the offense and/or special teams. He has a history of hurting the Giants badly, but he can't do it without the ball in his hands.

Three things that could go wrong ...

1. Special-teams play becomes an issue if long snapper Jon Dorenbos (ankle) cannot play and new punter/holder Mat McBriar makes an error that leads to Alex Henery missing a field goal.

2. Left tackle Demtress Bell or King Dunlap struggles to keep the right defensive end combo of Jason Pierre-Paul and Osi Umenyiora out of the backfield.

EAGLES RUN OFFENSE VS. GIANTS RUN DEFENSE: So much of this depends on how frequently the Eagles choose to run it. The more, the better the chance it has of LeSean McCoy or Bryce Brown doing some major damage. No matter what, though, the Giants' formidable front four has an edge.

EDGE: GIANTS

EAGLES PASS OFFENSE VS. GIANTS PASS DEFENSE: Ironically, the Eagles' biggest Giant killer over the last half decade has been their tiniest starter — DeSean Jackson. He has developed a knack for beating them. And now that fellow wideout Jeremy Maclin appears ready to return to action, it gives the Eagles more of an edge against an average Giants' secondary.

EDGE: EAGLES

GIANTS RUN OFFENSE VS. EAGLES RUN DEFENSE: Ahmad Bradshaw is set to return to the Giants' starting lineup after an injury. But in the meantime, Andre Brown has stepped in and been excellent. Their receivers will keep Eagles honest too. Biggest test yet for Eagles' front seven.

EDGE: GIANTS

GIANTS PASS OFFENSE VS. EAGLES PASS DEFENSE: Give Giants QB Eli Manning time and he'll mutilate you. Pressure him, and he's average at best. It's that simple. Eagles must be careful with their blitzes, too, because Manning is good at beating them. Front four must do the damage here.

EDGE: EVEN

SPECIAL TEAMS: If the Eagles were still using DeSean Jackson as a punt returner here, they'd have a huge advantage. Not anymore, especially now that they're faced with the possibility of having a new long snapper (replacing the injured Jon Dorenbos) snapping to a new holder and punter in Mat McBriar.

EDGE: GIANTS

INTANGIBLES: The Giants under Tom Coughlin are great at finding and exploiting all weaknesses, but they can be beaten with big plays too, as the Eagles have proved — mostly with DeSean Jackson. Normally the Eagles have an edge playing at home, but not against the Giants, a team they actually play better against on the road. Many of Giants QB Eli Manning's best career moments have happened at Lincoln Financial Field.

Both of these dynamic ends, not to mention Justin Tuck on the other side, can dominate games if not blocked thoroughly. Double teams will be required most times. This is the biggest matchup advantage of the game by either side and very well could be the biggest factor in the outcome.

EDGE: GIANTS

GIANTS QB ELI MANNING VS. EAGLES SECONDARY

Discipline will be crucial for the Eagles to have a chance. Manning is as smart as they come and has a total grasp of the offense. His decision-making when not under pressure is maybe better than anyone else in the league. If he has time to scan the field or make pump fakes, he will produce multiple touchdowns.